By This One Thing...

Not in great knowledge we may boast

Nor by the words we say

Not through stiff laws that we enforce

Nor lengthy prayers we pray

Not by the wisdom we may glean

Or monetary gifts

No, this is not what will be seen

By hungry souls adrift

Not by the food we choose to eat

Nor by our clothes or car

Not through some grand and glorious feat

Will men know who we are

Not by a staunch, religious show

Of solemn piety

No, this is not how they will know

Who follows faithfully

Not by a ceremonial chant

Or what we’ve sacrificed

Nor by tradition’s rigid rant

Will we be recognized

But by one trait and one alone

We prove our difference

After the chaff from wheat has blown

Remains the evidence

And by this humble surety

Will be the single proof

Of they who follow faithfully

And do not stand aloof

Not by some impassable request

Will we reflect our Father

But purely, clearly, simply this

How we love one another

© Janet Martin

What is Love?